According to John Debes who coined the term “visual literacy” at a conference in 1969:

“Visual literacy involves the ability to understand, produce, and use culturally significant images, objects, and visible actions. . . . With training and practice, people can develop the ability to recognize, interpret, and employ the distinct syntax and semantics of different visual forms. The process of becoming visually literate continues through a lifetime of learning new and more sophisticated ways to analyze and use images.”